Lapland Christmas: Saariselka to Rovaniemi

On arrival into Ivalo Airport you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. In Saariselka, the far north of Finnish Lapland, lies the popular resort of Inari-Saariselka. The unique northern countryside, national parks, lake areas, rivers and highland fells offer a wealth of opportunities for year-round travel. In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky up to 200 days a year. The legendary Saariselka is the northernmost travel destination in Finland and boasts a variety of services. In Inari and other villages in the area, the Sami culture is still very evident in everyday life. This is where you will find the genuine Lapland. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Please consult the welcome letter which you receive on check-in to your hotel, and kindly note where and when to meet your tour leader.

Tonight, come and experience an exotic Arctic evening by driving through snow-covered forests and over treeless fells. With a little luck, if the sky is clear, the moon, stars and even the Northern Lights may show you the way. The safari is heading to the Igloo site, where you have the possibility to roam around the forest nearby, and watch the Northern Lights show inside the igloo. A Northern Lights dinner will be served at the traditional Lappish wooden Kammi. Return to the hotel in bus.

*Note: To drive a snow mobile in Finland you must have a valid driver's license.

Put on your snowshoes and feel the crunch of snow under your feet. Capture the true feeling of winter in the northern woods as you explore the nearby white wilderness of forest and hills and Urho Kekkonen National Park, surrounding Saariselka. The afternoon is at leisure and we recommend trying a Finnish sauna, available at the hotel.

Cap off this amazing experience tonight by sitting in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. The journey will take you into the quiet evening forest and maybe you will even get to marvel at the beautiful Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Once you are back at the camp, a nice warm campfire and warm drink will be waiting for you to enjoy.

In the morning after breakfast, the adventure continues as we make our way to Sinetta, located 25 km from Rovaniemi. Along the way, we will visit one of the highlights of the tour. Meet the traditional Sami farmers who will tell you about the reindeer, the Sami and teach you how to throw Suopunki (Sami lasso). Sitting in a two-person sleigh, pulled by your reindeer, you will experience this traditional and peaceful way of moving through the white landscape over the lake and through the forest, where the only sound you will hear is the melody of reindeer bells. A typical three course lunch is included at the farm.

The journey continues south to Sinetta following the winding roads through the snowy forest and arriving at the unique Arctic Snow Hotel, where you will check-in to your private Glass Igloo. Enjoy the warmth of your Glass Igloo and weather permitting you will have the opportunity to marvel at the amazing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the millions of stars from the comforts of your bed. In the evening, you are invited for a traditional Lappish three course dinner in a magnificent wooden "Kota" where fresh salmon is slowly grilled over the fire on a huge fire pit in the center.

OPTIONAL: Overnight in a Snow Suite with Evening Sauna & Outdoor Jacuzzi Experience. Each year the snow hotel is built with local artists designing and creating the ice and wall sculptures that decorate the hotel and Snow suites. Each Snow Suite is different each year and offers a unique arctic experience to spend the night as the Sami once did in a snow igloo. A mattress on an ice bed with special arctic sleeping bags keep you warm in the ambient temperature of 0 and-5 C.

In the morning after breakfast you will travel by bus to Rovaniemi where you will check-in at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus where your Christmas adventure can begin. Once you have settled into the hotel, you can enjoy a buffet dinner of traditional Lappish food. You may choose to round off the night with the unique experience of a Finnish sauna included.

Enjoy a Scandinavian breakfast buffet before going on your next adventure, the Husky Farm and Safari.
The barking of enthusiastic dogs will welcome you to the most genuine Husky farm in Rovaniemi. The head musher will talk about the life and training of these Arctic animals and you will also have the chance to take some great photos. After brief instructions and riding in pairs, you embark on a run through the forest behind your pack of huskies. After the trip there is time to visit the farm and enjoy a traditional outdoor lunch of Lappish sausage grilled on the campfire followed by Lappish pancakes.

The day continues with a visit to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, built right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus. Stop by his busy post office where you can ask Santa to send a letter to your loved ones just before Christmas. Take a step into the magical world of Santa's home and meet Santa himself. No words can describe the emotions of this fairy-tale-like moment. It is something you will always remember. A must for any visit to Lapland.
At approximately 16:00, all children are invited to participate in the traditional activity of decorating the Christmas tree.

Around 18:00 Santa Claus will pay a visit to the hotel where he will deliver Christmas presents to our youngest guests. There will be a small gift per child from the hotel and the possibility for families to arrange, that Santa Claus special delivers a present to their children on behalf of the family. Christmas Eve Gala Dinner buffet will be served at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person are included.

Scandinavian buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing on another day of adventure. This morning we will visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, situated 80 km south of Rovaniemi, 1 hour by coach. The Ranua Wildlife Park, established 1983, specializes in arctic and northern animal species. The spacious animal fencings are amid northern conifer forests, the natural habitat of most of the animals. You will be able to enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful park and visit different animals and birds.

The guide will provide you with interesting and detailed information about the animals and their personalities, as well as answer whatever questions you might have about the animal life and artic nature. Enjoy a self-service lunch at the restaurant in Ranua Wildlife Park. After lunch, you will have one hour to visit the surroundings. You may want to visit the souvenir shops, the Fazer factory and the local wine shop with their unique selection of wines made from berries. Return to Rovaniemi, remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening enjoy a Christmas Gala Dinner buffet at the hotel Santa Claus. An aperitif and one glass of house wine, beer or soft drink per person included.

Breakfast and the rest of your day at leisure until your transfer to Rovaniemi airport in time for your departure flight (Flight not included).